When most people hear the word ‘budget’ their eyes glaze over. It brings to mind spreadsheets, calculators, and cancelling all the fun stuff: no coffee dates, no holidays, and definitely no new shoes.
But a budget doesn’t have to be a buzzkill. In fact, I’d argue it’s the opposite. Done right, a budget gives you freedom, not restriction.
Let’s be honest, sometimes we avoid looking at our spending because we already know it’s not going to be pretty. But the first step to sorting your finances is exactly that: clarity.
Track what you spend for a couple of weeks. You don’t need fancy apps or colour-coded charts. A notebook and ten minutes with your bank statement will do.
Break things down into simple categories: groceries, bills, childcare, fuel, subscriptions, takeaways, Amazon orders you forgot about and the ‘treat yourself’ bits that somehow turn into €60 in Penneys.
The goal here isn’t guilt, it’s awareness. Once you know what’s happening, you can do something about it.
Once you’ve got the numbers, ask yourself: does this reflect the life you’re trying to build?
Maybe you’re saving for a house, a car, a trip away or just trying to make it to the end of the month without holding your breath. Your budget should reflect that.
Start with your must-haves: the non-negotiables like rent, groceries, electricity, insurance. Then look at the nice-to-haves – the lovely but not essential extras.
Could you tweak a few things? Swapping the daily coffee stop for one at home might save €15 to €20 a week. Over a year, that’s nearly your Christmas fund sorted.
Here’s a simple budgeting method I share with nearly all my clients: Income – Savings – Essentials = Spending money
Most people flip it: they spend first, cover the essentials (if there’s enough), and then maybe save what’s left. But that usually means… nothing gets saved.
Instead, when you get paid, put your savings aside first, even if it’s just €50 or €100. Then plan for your bills. Whatever’s left is for the fun stuff: nights out, takeaways, hair appointments, whatever lights you up.
It’s simple but powerful.
It’s important to keep in mind that budgeting isn’t just about the usual stuff, it’s also about being ready for the chaos life throws at you. The car breaks down. The boiler packs it in. Someone swallows a Lego brick and off you go to SouthDoc. These don’t have to knock you off course, if you’ve got a bit of a buffer.
Even €10 or €20 a week into a ‘just in case’ fund can ease the sting. Think of it like financial Calpol, there when you need it.
Your budget should suit your life, not the other way around. A single person in Skibbereen will budget differently to a family of five in Clonakilty.
And if you share finances with a partner, sit down together, as being on the same team is key. Yes, even if it feels awkward. Talk about bills, goals, and what was really essential about that pair of boots.
Stop thinking of budgeting as a punishment. A good budget cuts the stuff you don’t value and includes the things you enjoy. Whether it’s a pint at the local, new runners for the kids, or your monthly facial, budgeting lets you enjoy them without the guilt. You’ve planned for them. You’re in control.
Budgeting isn’t about being perfect. Some months you’ll forget about the car tax or go overboard at a birthday party. That’s life. The goal is to feel more confident, not restricted.
And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not sure where to start, that’s totally normal. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes it just takes a conversation with someone who can see the bigger picture.
